U.S. patent application number 12/113817 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for in-can fuel cell metering valve.
Invention is credited to Giuseppe Dalsant, Adalberto Geier, Valery H. VANSTAAN, Mohamed K. Wagdy.
Application Number | 20080206621 12/113817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34962192 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080206621 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VANSTAAN; Valery H. ; et
al. |
August 28, 2008 |
IN-CAN FUEL CELL METERING VALVE
Abstract
A combined fuel cell and combustion tool including a combustion
tool configured for receiving a fuel cell; the fuel cell having a
housing defining an open end enclosed by a closure; a main valve
stem having an outlet, disposed in operational relationship to the
open end and reciprocating relative to the housing at least between
a closed position wherein the stem is relatively extended, and an
open position wherein the stem is relatively retracted; a fuel
metering valve located within the housing, associated with the main
valve stem, including a fuel metering chamber defined in part by a
metering chamber seal and configured so that when the stem is in
the open position, only a measured amount of fuel is dispensed
through the outlet, the stem having a radially variable exterior
contour periodically sealingly engaging the seal such that in the
closed position a non-sealing relationship is defined between the
stem and the seal, and in the open position a sealing relationship
is defined between the stem and the seal; and the housing includes
a separate fuel container, and the fuel metering valve includes a
valve body that has a second end opposite the fuel metering chamber
and located within the container, wherein the flow of fluid out the
outlet of the fuel cell is solely from the separate fuel
container.
Inventors: |
VANSTAAN; Valery H.;
(Highland Park, IL) ; Wagdy; Mohamed K.;
(Arlington Heights, IL) ; Geier; Adalberto;
(Trento, IT) ; Dalsant; Giuseppe; (Trento,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LISA M. SOLTIS;ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
3600 WEST LAKE AVENUE
GLENVIEW
IL
60025
US
|
Family ID: |
34962192 |
Appl. No.: |
12/113817 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10827551 |
Apr 19, 2004 |
7392922 |
|
|
12113817 |
|
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
429/404 ; 222/14;
227/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C 13/04 20130101;
F17C 2205/0335 20130101; F17C 2260/036 20130101; F17C 2205/0323
20130101; F17C 2223/0153 20130101; F17C 2270/0545 20130101; F17C
2205/0373 20130101; F17C 2201/058 20130101; F17C 2221/032 20130101;
F17C 2201/0119 20130101; B25C 1/08 20130101; F17C 2270/0763
20130101; F17C 2201/0104 20130101; F17C 2223/033 20130101; F17C
2203/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
429/34 ; 222/14;
227/10 |
International
Class: |
H01M 8/02 20060101
H01M008/02; B67D 5/30 20060101 B67D005/30; B25C 1/14 20060101
B25C001/14 |
Claims
1. A combined fuel cell and combustion tool comprising: a
combustion tool configured for receiving a fuel cell; said fuel
cell having: a housing defining an open end enclosed by a closure;
a main valve stem having an outlet, disposed in operational
relationship to said open end and reciprocating relative to said
housing at least between a closed position wherein said stem is
relatively extended, and an open position wherein said stem is
relatively retracted; a fuel metering valve located within said
housing, associated with said main valve stem, including a fuel
metering chamber defined in part by a metering chamber seal and
configured so that when said stem is in said open position, only a
measured amount of fuel is dispensed through said outlet, said stem
having a radially variable exterior contour periodically sealingly
engaging said seal such that in said closed position a non-sealing
relationship is defined between said stem and said seal, and in
said open position a sealing relationship is defined between said
stem and said seal; and said housing includes a separate fuel
container, and said fuel metering valve includes a valve body that
has a second end opposite said fuel metering chamber and located
within said container, wherein the flow of fluid out the outlet of
the fuel cell is solely from said separate fuel container.
2. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 1 wherein
said fuel cell further includes a biasing element for urging said
stem to said closed position, and said main valve stem has a radial
projection configured to be urged against said main seal.
3. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 2 wherein
said biasing element is a spring.
4. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 1 wherein
said fuel cell further includes a clamp ring for sandwiching a
portion of said container between said valve body and said clamp
ring, and wherein said main valve stem has a radially enlarged
portion and said fuel metering chamber seal is a lip seal
constructed and arranged to engage said enlarged portion in said
open position, but defining a fuel passage therebetween in said
closed position.
5. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 4 wherein
said fuel cell further includes a biasing element for urging said
stem to said closed position, wherein a radial projection is
configured to be urged against said main seal.
6. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 1 wherein
said fuel metering valve includes a main seal, and said main valve
stem includes a radial projection for engaging said main seal and
said main valve stem has a radially enlarged portion, and said fuel
metering chamber seal is a lip seal constructed and arranged to
slidingly engage said enlarged portion in said open position, but
defining a fuel passage therebetween in said closed position.
7. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 6 wherein
said fuel cell further includes a biasing element for urging said
stem to said closed position, wherein a radial projection is
configured to be urged against said main seal.
8. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 1 wherein
said main valve stem has a radially enlarged portion, and said fuel
metering chamber seal is a lip seal constructed and arranged to
engage said enlarged portion in said open position, but defining a
fuel passage therebetween in said closed position, and said fuel
metering chamber surrounds said main valve stem and includes a
first end engaging a main seal and a second end sealingly engaging
an enlarged diameter portion of said main valve stem in said open
position, and defining a fuel permeable separation from a main
diameter of said main valve stem in said closed position.
9. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 1 wherein
said main valve stem and said fuel metering chamber are configured
for movement of said main valve stem to a container filling
position whereby said stem is retracted further than in said open
position, and a fluid passageway is defined from said outlet to a
container located within said housing, and said main valve stem has
a radially enlarged portion, and said fuel metering chamber seal is
a lip seal constructed and arranged to slidingly engage said
enlarged portion in said open position, but defining a fuel passage
therebetween in said closed position.
10. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 9 wherein
the said main valve stem changes position relative to said fuel
metering chamber in said open, closed and container filling
positions.
11. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 10 wherein
said main valve stem has a radially enlarged portion, and said fuel
metering chamber is provided with a lip seal constructed and
arranged to engage said enlarged portion in said open position, but
defining a fuel passage therebetween in said closed and said
container filling positions.
12. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 10 wherein
a second end of a main valve body enclosing said fuel metering
chamber is provided with at least one slot configured for
facilitating, in said container filling position, fluid
communication between a region adjacent said main valve stem into
an interior of said fuel cell.
13. A combined fuel cell and combustion tool comprising: a
combustion tool configured for receiving a fuel cell; said fuel
cell having: a housing defining an open end enclosed by a closure;
a main valve stem having an outlet, disposed in operational
relationship to said open end and reciprocating relative to said
housing at least between a closed position wherein said stem is
relatively extended, and an open position wherein said stem is
relatively retracted; and a fuel metering valve located within said
housing, associated with said main valve stem, including a fuel
metering chamber configured so that when said stem is in said open
position, only a measured amount of fuel is dispensed through said
outlet, said fuel metering chamber including a body defined by two
components, one of which has a lip seal projecting radially
inwardly from said metering chamber to slidingly engage said stem
as said stem reciprocates relative to said metering chamber.
14. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 13 wherein
said seal slidingly engages a radially enlarged portion of said
stem as said stem reciprocates relative to said metering
chamber.
15. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 13 wherein
said stem has a radially variable exterior contour periodically
sealingly engaging said seal such that in said closed position a
non-sealing relationship is defined between said stem and said
seal, and in said open position a sealing relationship is defined
between said stem and said seal.
16. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 13 wherein
said housing further includes a separate fuel container, and said
fuel metering valve includes a valve body that has a second end
opposite said fuel metering chamber and located within said
container, wherein the flow of fluid out the outlet of the fuel
cell is solely from said separate fuel container.
17. The combined fuel cell and combustion tool of claim 13 wherein
said seal defines a wall of said metering chamber.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/827,551 filed Apr. 19, 2004, to which
priority is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to improvements in fuel
cell fuel delivery arrangements for use in combustion tools, and
more specifically to metering valves used with such fuel cells for
delivering the appropriate amount of fuel for use by a combustion
tool during the driving of fasteners. While the present application
is focused on the use of fuel cells in combustion tools, it is
contemplated that other applications in which fuel cells or other
pressurized containers using stem valves are employed, such as, but
not limited to cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
[0003] As exemplified in Nikolich U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,403,722,
4,483,474, 4,522,162, and 5,115,944, all of which are incorporated
by reference, it is known to use a dispenser such as a fuel cell to
dispense a hydrocarbon fuel to a combustion tool, also known as a
combustion gas-powered tool, such as, for example, a combustion
gas-powered fastener-driving tool. Such fastener-driving tools and
such fuel cells are available commercially from ITW-Paslode (a
division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc.) of Vernon Hills, Ill., under
its IMPULSE trademark. In particular, a fuel cell of this type is
described in Nikolich U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,944, listed above.
[0004] One design criterion associated with the use of such fuel
cells, which contain separate compartments of pressurized fuel and
propellant, is the prevention of leakage of one or both of the
above constituents. The objective is to prevent or minimize leakage
after production and before use, also known as shelf life, and also
during periods when the fuel cell is installed in the tool but the
tool is stored or otherwise not in use. As with other aerosol
containers, a certain amount of leakage occurs over time. However,
in the environment of combustion powered fastener driving tools,
there is a concern that gradual leakage over a prolonged shelf life
may result in reduced performance of the fuel cell due to
insufficient propellant and/or fuel. Accordingly, present
manufacturer recommendations call for a 12-18 month maximum shelf
life of such fuel cells to ensure that sufficient propellant and/or
fuel remains for expected performance needs.
[0005] Another design criterion of such fuel cells is that only a
desired amount of fuel should be emitted by the fuel cell for each
combustion event. The amount of fuel should be carefully monitored
to provide the desired combustion, yet in a fuel-efficient manner
to prolong the working life of the fuel cell. Prior attempts to
address this dosage factor have resulted in fuel metering valves
located in the tool (U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,439) or attached to the
fuel cell (U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,297), both of which are also
incorporated by reference.
[0006] Regardless of the above-listed locations of such fuel
metering valves, fuel leakage has remained a design consideration.
In the case of internal tool fuel metering valves, an excessive
number of seal locations inherently create multiple opportunities
for leaks. In the case of external fuel cell metering valves, to
facilitate disposability of the fuel cell and valve, inexpensive
materials are used. However, the aggressive nature of the fuel
constituents in some cases cause premature failure of the valve
seals or the valve housing itself.
[0007] Another design consideration of such fuel cells is that when
metering valves are attached to the fuel cell, there is some
duplication of components, in that a first valve controls the flow
of fuel from the cell, and a second valve controls a metered dose
of fuel for delivery to the tool for a single combustion event. A
related concern is that when such cell-mounted metering valves are
shipped with the fuel cell in an inoperative position, the user
must activate the cell by moving the valve into position. It is
thus difficult for the end user to discover and/or prevent fuel
leakage due to improper installation of, or internal defects in,
the metering valve.
[0008] Yet another design factor of cell-mounted metering valves is
that once the metering valve is operationally installed, the main
cell stem valve is continually open. Thus, the nature of the seal
formed by the main fuel cell valve stem seal changes from a face
seal to a radial seal about the valve stem. In this position, the
seal is relaxed and provides less effective sealing. As such, there
is a greater potential for fuel leakage from the fuel cell.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved combustion tool
fuel cell valve arrangement which reduces the number of components,
and accordingly the potential for fuel/propellant leaks. There is
also a need for an improved combustion tool fuel cell construction
which reduces the number of sealing locations and the periodic
loading on the main fuel cell valve stem.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The above-listed needs are met or exceeded by the present
fuel cell metering valve for a combustion tool which, in a
preferred embodiment, features a metering valve internally mounted
in the fuel cell. As such, the valve dispenses a metered amount of
fuel with every actuation of the stem. In addition, the present
valve has three positions, closed, open and container fill or "bag
gassing". Thus, the valve and the fuel cell are normally closed,
and the main valve stem seal operates as a face seal for more
effective sealing action. An advantage of the present arrangement
is that the valve is closed for a large part of its operational
life, increasing the sealing action and prolonging the operational
life of the fuel cell due to reduced leakage. In addition, the
valve is provided with a one-piece valve body, one end of which is
located inside the inner fuel container located within the fuel
cell. By locating the metering valve inside the fuel cell housing
or can, the present valve combines in a single unit the functions
of the former standard fuel cell check valve and a supplemental
metering valve typically mounted outside of the fuel cell and
configured for receiving the valve stem. Thus, the number of
components is reduced, improving reliability and reducing the cost
of the system. Another advantage of this design is that it
facilitates the three position operation of the valve stem (open,
closed and container fill), and also makes it easier for
manufacturers to provide cells having a variety of dosages. Dosage
change is obtained by altering the dimensions of the fuel metering
chamber, preferably by replacing only a single component. Also, by
eliminating the need for engaging an external metering valve, the
present device is more user friendly. Further, the present fuel
cell is easier to install into a fastener driving tool.
[0011] More specifically, a combined fuel cell and combustion tool
is provided and includes a combustion tool configured for receiving
a fuel cell; the fuel cell having a housing defining an open end
enclosed by a closure; a main valve stem having an outlet, disposed
in operational relationship to the open end and reciprocating
relative to the housing at least between a closed position wherein
the stem is relatively extended, and an open position wherein the
stem is relatively retracted; a fuel metering valve located within
the housing, associated with the main valve stem, including a fuel
metering chamber defined in part by a metering chamber seal and
configured so that when the stem is in the open position, only a
measured amount of fuel is dispensed through the outlet, the stem
having a radially variable exterior contour periodically sealingly
engaging the seal such that in the closed position a non-sealing
relationship is defined between the stem and the seal, and in the
open position a sealing relationship is defined between the stem
and the seal; and the housing includes a separate fuel container,
and the fuel metering valve includes a valve body that has a second
end opposite the fuel metering chamber and located within the
container, wherein the flow of fluid out the outlet of the fuel
cell is solely from the separate fuel container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a split vertical cross-section of a combustion
tool fuel cell provided with the present internal metering valve,
shown in the closed (left) and open (right) positions;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a split vertical cross-section of the fuel cell of
FIG. 1, shown in the open (left) and in-bag gassing (right)
positions;
[0014] FIG. 2A is an end view of the valve body of FIG. 2, with
parts omitted for clarity;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fuel cell of
the type suitable for incorporating the present metering valve;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a combustion tool of the
type suitable for use with the present fuel cell;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of an adapter actuator and
linkage suitable for use with the tool of FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary exploded front view of a fuel cell
and an adapter suitable for use with the present combustion tool;
and
[0019] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded view of the fuel cell and
adapter of FIG. 6 from a rear angle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a fuel cell of the type used in
a combustion tool is generally designated 10, and includes an outer
housing or shell 12 (seen in FIG. 3) defining an open upper end 14
(FIG. 3) enclosed by a closure 16 which is sealingly secured to the
housing at a peripheral edge 18 which overlaps and is preferably
crimped over the upper end, as is well known in the art. The
general construction of such fuel cells is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,115,944, incorporated by reference herein. Inside the housing
12, a first space 20 is defined for a first component, which is
typically a pressurized propellant. Also provided within the
housing 12 is a bag-like container 22 defining a second space 24
for a second component, typically a combustible fuel, usually a
liquefied hydrocarbon, either alone or mixed with other compounds.
While it is preferred that the first space 20 encloses the
propellant and the second space 24 the fuel, other arrangements are
contemplated as long as there is an environment created within the
housing 12 to pressurize the fuel and maintain that pressure as the
amount of fuel is reduced, as through consumption or other factors.
A feature of the present fuel cell 10 is the location of an
internal fuel metering valve, generally designated 25, within the
housing 12.
[0021] A main valve stem 26 is configured for emitting fuel from
the container 22 and as such has an outlet 28 at a first end 30
projecting from the housing, and a second end 31 opposite the first
end. The valve stem 26 is in fluid communication with the source of
fuel, preferably the container 22, which is preferably flexible or
compressible to accommodate pressure exerted by the propellant as
fuel is consumed and the volume of the container accordingly
reduced. The first and second ends 30, 31 are separated from each
other, preferably by a passageway 32. To emit fuel, the main valve
stem 26 reciprocates relative to the housing 12 within a valve body
34 under a biasing force, preferably exerted by a biasing element
36 such as a spring, between a closed position (shown on the left
half of FIG. 1) and an open position (shown on the right half of
FIG. 1). In the closed position, the main valve stem 26 is biased
by the biasing element 36 to an extended condition. In the open
position, the main valve stem 26 is pushed back or retracted in a
way that overcomes the biasing force of the element 36.
[0022] The fuel metering valve 25 includes the main valve stem 26
and is configured so that when the stem is in the open position,
only a measured amount of fuel is dispensed through the outlet. It
is preferred that the fuel metering valve 25 is configured so that
the main valve stem 26 is in the open position only when fuel is
being dispensed to the tool.
[0023] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel metering valve
25 includes a fuel metering chamber 38 located within the housing
12. This configuration is intended to reduce components and/or to
reduce unwanted leakage or emission of fuel, which are design
issues with current fuel cells. Preferably, the fuel metering
chamber 38 is located within the valve body 34, and more preferably
in close proximity to the closure 16, however locations externally
of the valve body are also contemplated. By incorporating the
metering valve 25 so that the valve body 34 is located permanently
inside the fuel cell 10, potential leakage areas at the engagement
point of an external valve to the prior art main valve stem are
eliminated. Also, potential dosage changes due to environmentally
or hydrocarbon exposure-caused changes in external metering valve
dimensions are also eliminated.
[0024] In the present fuel cell 10, the fuel metering chamber 38 is
exposed to the hydrocarbon fuel upon filling, and as such is
constantly exposed to the hydrocarbons, which reduces the
possibility of dimensional change. A chamber body 40 partially
defines the fuel metering chamber 38 and sealingly engages a main
or outlet seal 42 for preventing unwanted leakage. Thus, in the
preferred embodiment, the chamber body 40 is separated from the
closure 16 by the main seal 42. A second component 44 of the
chamber body 40 includes a generally flexible, radially inwardly
projecting lip 46 which, acting as a lip seal, slidingly and
wipingly engages the reciprocating main valve stem 26. While the
first and second components 40, 44 are shown as separate pieces, it
is contemplated that they may be provided in unitary format
depending on the application. It is also contemplated that the
material used to form second component 44 may be made of a
different material from the main portion of the chamber body 40,
for example in situations where a more chemically or
environmentally resistant material is needed to withstand the
detrimental effects of the fuel. In addition, it is contemplated as
a feature of the present metering valve 25 that the location and
construction of the fuel metering chamber 38 are such that
dimensions of the chamber body 40 may be changed to alter the fuel
dosage volume emitted from the outlet 28, for example to suit
particular application conditions. The change may be accomplished
by merely replacing the chamber body 40 with another body having a
different volume. Also, with such a change, the main seal 42 is not
changed or tampered with. This alteration of the dosage volume is
contemplated as being performed by the manufacturer, not the
user.
[0025] The main valve stem 26 is configured for permitting the
delivery of a designated amount of fuel to the fuel metering
chamber 38 in the closed position, and for releasing that
designated amount of fuel in the open position for emission through
the outlet 28. To that end, among other things, the main valve stem
26 includes at least one inlet 48 and at least one generally
radially projecting formation functioning as a stop member 50.
While the precise number, location and configuration of the at
least one inlet 48 and the at least one stop member 50 may vary to
suit the application, it is preferred that the inlet be located
closer to the outlet 28 than is the stop member 50. The inlet 48,
which is in fluid communication with the passageway 32, receives
fuel from the fuel metering chamber 38 while the main valve stem 26
is in the open position, at which time the inlet is located within
the fuel metering chamber. It will be seen that the main valve stem
26 is closed off at the second end 31 and fuel enters the
passageway 32 through the inlet 48.
[0026] In the closed position, the inlet 48 is no longer located
within the fuel metering chamber 38, and is preferably external of
the seal 42. Thus, in this position, fuel cannot enter the main
valve stem 26. The at least one stop member 50 is positioned on the
main valve stem 26 so that it engages the outlet seal 42 and
prevents further movement of the valve stem past the closure 16.
Another feature of the main valve stem 26 is a generally radially
enlarged portion 52. The enlarged portion 52 is of sufficient
diameter to sealingly engage the lip seal 46 and prevent the
passage of fuel into or out of the entry of fuel relative to the
fuel metering chamber 38. A standard or relatively narrow diameter
portion 54 of the main valve stem 26 is located between the stop 50
and the enlarged portion 52. At the opposite end, the generally
enlarged portion 52 gradually reduces in diameter to form a seat 56
for the biasing element 36. An opposite end of the biasing element
36 engages an end 58 of a body cavity 60 in the main valve body 34
in which reciprocates the main valve stem 26.
[0027] The gradual reduction in diameter of the main valve stem 26
is such that fuel can pass the lip seal 46 and enter the fuel
metering chamber 38. This entry of fuel into the chamber 38 occurs
when the main valve stem 26 is in the closed position. Fuel enters
the chamber 38 through the body cavity 60 which, in turn is in
fluid communication with a second end 62 defining a nipple portion
of the valve body 34. A receiving end 64 of the nipple portion of
the valve body 34 is located within, and is in fluid communication
with the second space 24, which preferably contains the fuel. As
such, fuel enters the nipple portion, the cavity 60 and the
metering chamber 38 prior to being emitted from the outlet 28.
[0028] To facilitate the delivery of fuel to the metering chamber
38, the valve body 34 is secured to the container 22, preferably
such that the valve body has a first end 66 engaging the closure
16, such as by being crimped, and the second end 62 having the
nipple portion located within the container. It will be seen that
the biasing element 36 is located in the valve body 34 between the
second end 62 and the first end 66, the latter providing the
location for the fuel metering chamber 38, which is opposite the
second end 62. It is contemplated that variations of this
disposition of the valve body 34 are suitable for achieving the
goal of secure mounting of the valve body relative to the fuel cell
10 for support and for consistent fuel metering during tool
operation.
[0029] More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the valve
body 34 includes a clamp formation 68 for securing the nipple
portion 62 to the container 22. A radial flange 70 on the valve
body 34 receives a washer-like container seal or gasket 72 located
on an outside 74 of the container 22, and a clamp ring 76 located
inside the container for sandwiching a portion of the container
between the valve body and the clamp ring. While other types of
attachment are contemplated, the clamp ring 76 is snap fit upon the
valve body 34 by being received in an annular groove 78 and
includes a radially projecting ring 80 which secures a portion of
the container 22 against the gasket 72. This arrangement is desired
for providing secure clamping while protecting the flexible
material used to make the container 22. Also, with this
arrangement, the container 22 is supported around an opening 81
through which is inserted the nipple portion 62 of the valve body
34. Preferably, the valve body 34 is clamped to the container 22
prior to sealing of the container. While this type of connection of
the valve 25 to the container 22 is preferred, it is also
contemplated that a conventional dip tube or other equivalent
structures used in the fuel cell or pressurized fluid dispenser art
may be alternatively employed.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, besides the closed and open
positions described in relation to FIG. 1, it is preferred that the
valve body 34 and the main valve stem 26 provide a third position,
referred to as a container filling or an in-bag gassing position,
whereby the container 22 may be filled with fuel after assembly of
the fuel cell 10. In the container filling position, the main valve
stem 26 is retracted into the valve body 34 past the open position
so that fuel enters through the outlet 28, passes into the inlet
48, into the fuel metering chamber 38, passes around the stop 50
and through the gap between the lip seal 46 and the generally
radially enlarged portion 52, into the body cavity 60, through the
nipple portion 62 and into the container 22. It will be appreciated
that the body cavity 60 is of sufficient length to accommodate the
axial travel of the main valve stem 26 as it reciprocates between
the closed, open and container filling positions. It will be seen
that the relative position of the main valve stem 26 changes
relative to the fuel metering chamber 38 in the respective open,
closed and container filling positions. In addition, the
relationship between the generally radially enlarged portion 52 and
the lip seal 46 is that the portion and the seal are in sealing
engagement in the open position, but are disengaged in the closed
and container filling positions, thus allowing the passage of fuel
therebetween.
[0031] It will also be seen that the filling operation may be
accomplished through the main valve stem 26 for the product/fuel as
described above, or around or in a region adjacent the main valve
stem 26 for propellant, by temporarily flowing around the main seal
42. More specifically, and referring again to FIG. 2, a filling
head (not shown), known in the art, sealingly connects the fuel
cell 10 to a supply of propellant. Engagement of the head upon the
fuel cell causes the depression/retraction of the main valve stem
26 to the position shown on the right in FIG. 2. Propellant,
designated by arrows 82, enters a gap 83 between the retracted
valve stem 26 and the closure 16. Since the main valve stem 26 is
retracted, the stop member 50 is not pressing against the outlet
seal 42, thus causing the seal to relax and permit the inflow of
the propellant 82. Next, the propellant 82 migrates radially
between the seal 42 and the closure 16, until it reaches an edge 84
of the first end 66 of the valve body 34. To facilitate migration
of the propellant 82 around the valve body 34 and into the first
space 20, the edge 84 is provided with at least one and preferably
four slots 85 (best seen in FIG. 2A). The number and configuration
of the slots 85 may vary to suit the application, as long as
sufficient space is provided for fluid communication into the space
20.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, a combustion tool of the type
suitable for use with the present fuel cell 10 is generally
designated 86 in which the fuel cell 10 is inserted at a generally
transverse or oblique angle to a longitudinal axis of a main
combustion chamber 88 into a fuel cell chamber 89. In the depicted
embodiment, the fuel cell 10 is inserted into the chamber 89 to be
generally parallel to a fastener magazine 92, although other
orientations are contemplated. The other type, as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,263,439, receives the fuel cell 10 in a fuel cell
chamber or adapter generally parallel to the main combustion
chamber. Regardless of the type of tool, it will be appreciated
that, upon the insertion of the fuel cell 10 into the chamber 89
and connected to an adapter 90, the tool is configured so that upon
engagement of the tool with a workpiece, and a depression of the
tool relative to the workpiece, a designated volume or dose of fuel
will be dispensed from the fuel cell 10 to an internal fuel line
(not shown) in the tool to enable the driving of a fastener through
combustion as is known in the art.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the workpiece contact
element 94 and the associated linkage 96 which transmits a
mechanical force to the adapter 90 for triggering the dispensing of
the fuel stored in the fuel metering chamber 38. In this
embodiment, it will be seen that the linkage 96 includes an
actuator arm 98 projecting generally transversely or obliquely to
the main combustion chamber axis, and generally parallel to the
fuel cell chamber 89 and the magazine 92. It will be seen that upon
movement of the workpiece contact element 94 relative to a
nosepiece 100 prior to combustion, the actuator arm 98 ultimately
causes a depressing action to be exerted upon the main valve stem
26 of the fuel cell 10. In this manner, the fuel temporarily stored
in the fuel metering chamber 38 is dispensed to the tool 86.
[0034] More specifically, and referring now to FIG. 5, included in
the adapter 90 is an inline actuator generally designated 102 which
functions so that movement of the workpiece contact element 94
causes the linkage 96 and the actuator arm 98 to depress or retract
the main valve stem 26 for fuel delivery. More specifically, the
actuator arm 98 pivots about a pivot point 104 and at an opposite
end is moved by at least one of the linkage 96 or the workpiece
contact element 94. A thumb-like actuator lug 106 on the arm 98
engages an injector cartridge 108 which functions as a trigger.
Upon axial depression by the lug 106, the injector cartridge 108 is
axially depressed relative to a housing enclosure 110 and against a
biasing force generated by a cartridge spring 112 or other biasing
element. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot point 104 is
located on the housing enclosure 110, but other locations on the
tool 86 are contemplated. Also, it is preferred that the housing
enclosure 110 be made of plastic which serves as an insulator to
prevent vapor lock, a problem encountered with prior art combustion
tools. Further, it is preferred that the injector cartridge 108
includes a wear point 114 configured of relatively rigid material
such as hardened steel to receive the actuator lug 106 on a
repetitive basis without deterioration. Reciprocation of the
injector cartridge/trigger 108 causes retraction/opening of the
main valve stem 26 to release the fuel stored in the metering
chamber 38 for transmission through the fuel line 104 to the
combustion chamber 88.
[0035] An internal passageway 116 (shown hidden in FIG. 5) connects
an inlet end 118 to an outlet nipple 120. As such, fluid
communication is established between the main valve stem 26, placed
in engagement with the outlet nipple 120, and either a fuel line or
a connector tube (not shown) typically found in such tools. The
outlet nipple 120 is preferably barbed to frictionally engage a
flexible fuel line such as a flexible connector tube. Such a
flexible fuel line is connected to a main fuel line (not shown) and
remains connected to the injector cartridge 108 during the
operational reciprocation.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, it is known from commonly
owned U. S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2002/0043547,
incorporated by reference herein, to provide a fuel cell adapter,
generally designated 122 for a fuel cell which facilitates
retention within the tool and alignment of the main valve stem with
corresponding fuel metering valve nipples or fuel lines. Included
on the fuel cell adapter 122 is a base 124 configured for
frictionally engaging an inner closure surface 126 and a generally
cylindrical nozzle 128 projecting from the base to a free end 130.
A passageway 132 is provided inside the nozzle 128 for receiving
the main valve stem 26 from a rear end, and the inlet end 118 of
the injector cartridge 108 from the free end 130. An appropriate
sealing member, which can take many forms, and is generally
designated 134 and receives corresponding opposing ends of the
cartridge 108 and the valve stem 26 so that a close, substantially
leak-resistant fluid communicating connection is established for
efficient fuel transfer.
[0037] In the preferred embodiment, the adapter 122 is provided on
its free end 130 with a plurality of radially spaced lugs 136 and
also a plurality of radially spaced ribs 138 with truncated ends
140. Between the ends 140 and the lugs 136 is defined a gripping
area 142 of relatively narrow diameter.
[0038] Referring again to FIG. 5, it will be seen that the present
fuel cell 10 can be fitted with the fuel cell adapter 122 and
incorporated into the tool 86. To facilitate alignment and fluid
flow between the main valve stem 26 and the injector cartridge 108,
the housing enclosure 110 is provided with a latch 144 preferably
including a pair of biased, opposing tangs 146 biased to an open
position by a spring 148 or other biasing member and pivoting about
pivot pins 150. A housing 152 receives the tangs 146, the spring
148 and the pins 150, as well as the fuel cell adapter 122. The
tangs 146 are each configured for grasping the fuel cell adapter
122 at the gripping area 142 for holding the adapter, and the fuel
cell 10 in position in the fuel cell chamber 89 in the tool 86. The
tension of the spring 148 is such that the tangs 146 are easily
separated by the insertion force of the fuel cell 10 into the fuel
cell cavity 152. Also, the tangs 146 are positioned so that when
they engage the gripping area, the injector cartridge inlet end 118
is in close operational proximity to the outlet 28 of the main
valve stem 26.
[0039] To release the clamped adapter 122, a release button 154 is
configured for moving transversely relative to the fuel cell 10,
and includes a depending tab 156 to which enters a corresponding
slot in the housing enclosure 110 and engages and separates the
tangs 146, allowing withdrawal of the adapter and the fuel cell. A
return spring 158 biases the release button 154 and the tab 156 out
of engagement with the tangs 146. Also, it is preferred that the
release button 154 be accessible externally of the tool housing 84,
however, other locations are contemplated. A release pin or latch
160 is transversely engageable on the housing enclosure 110 near
the injector cartridge 108, and is optionally provided for allowing
disassembly of the housing enclosure and the withdrawal of the
injector cartridge, such as for cleaning or replacement.
[0040] Upon completion of the fastener driving cycle, the user
lifts the tool 86 from the workpiece, which causes the workpiece
contact element 94 to depend relative to the tool 86, thus
releasing the actuator arm 98, and releasing pressure on the main
valve stem 26. The biasing element 36 causes the main valve stem 26
to move to the closed position (FIG. 1), in which a new dose of
fuel enters the fuel metering chamber 38 from the container 22.
[0041] While particular embodiments of the present fuel metering
valve and associated combustion tool have been shown and described,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and
modifications may be made thereto without departing from the
invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following
claims.
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